November 22, 2017

MUNCY - A long awaited project finally came to a conclusion at the UPMC Susquehanna Muncy Valley Hospital. An open house celebrating the completed efforts of the last ten years was presented on Monday, November 13th from 4-7 p.m. at the newly expanded facility in the borough of Muncy.

A blessing was given by Father Glenn McCreary of the Church of the Resurrection in Muncy before accomplishments were recognized by administrators during an opening ceremony followed by tours.

At a cost of $14.2 million dollars, a 5,400 square foot addition was added to expand services to a growing need in the eastern part of Lycoming County. Officials report average visits of 16,500 per year to the emergency department and for the last decade, clinical space for access was being used heavily. The building was originally designed to handle 6,000 patients.

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BARB BARRETT/The LuminaryAt an open house for the new expansion project at the Muncy Valley Hospital, Cyndy Whipple, Director of Nursing gave tours. She is showing one of the newer emergency rooms offering more privacy.

BARB BARRETT/The LuminaryTours were given during the open house at the new expansion project for Muncy Valley Hospital's emergency department on Nov. 13th. 16,400 square feet of clinical space was added in 2017 that took almost ten years of planning.

BARB BARRETT/The LuminarySteve Johnson, CEO and President of UPMC Susquehanna gave special thanks to the Muncy community for contributing to the success of the new expansion project at the Muncy Valley Hospital.

New state of the art equipment has been added with digital imaging, along with specialty rooms such as a trauma resuscitation room, a mental health room, and rapid treatment rooms. All are conveniently private with easy access.

Donors and grants have contributed immensely announced Dr. Mark Beyer, Medical Director of the hospital. Much of the project was paid for with a 5 million state grant through efforts of Sen. Eugene Yaw, and Rep. Garth Everett. $3.5 million came directly from the commumity. Tuesday, November 28, after Thanksgiving, will be the official opening once state inspections are cleared.

CEO and President, Steven Johnson reflected on more than 25 years ago when the local board "articulated a vision of expansion to handle the additional services."

"This is an investment in the future of personal health, and the health of the community," he added.

Specialty care services have been added that include ear, nose, & throat, foot & ankle care, sports medicine, digestive diseases and general surgery. These are all located in the newly formed specialty clinic. Johnson also thanked the commitment and generosity of the community. "We are grateful to the Styer Family and the Sonny Hall Family for selling their property that allowed the project to go forward."

The doors were never closed through the entire project renovation. New parking lots were completed during the second phase of construction, and Shady Lane has been re-routed with guided signage to vehicle parking and the Styer Farm.

As an added touch, local artists have their work displayed on the walls which was purchased through an art committee working with the hospital.